Sports presenter Clare Balding said: "I'm thrilled. Five women on the list of 12 - I think that is a really fair reflection.

"To be honest there are a couple more who could arguably have got on there. Charlotte Dujardin, who won two gold medals in dressage. Sophie Christiansen, who was the big Paralympic equestrian heroine.

"But the five that are on there are really strong contenders. There is a great variety in terms of age, the sports they do and the personalities that they have. I am really pleased. That is progress and let's just keep improving."

Balding, who won a Red magazine award for her Olympics coverage, added: "I think it is the best list we have ever seen."

Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley said: "It can be only be a good thing. Those women have been there working just as hard as the men have and achieving threat things.

"The fact that they are getting recognised now is fantastic, that is all you want really. Why haven't they been recognised before? It is crazy."